Defining Leadership Through Expertise and Insight
My academic foundation lies in Critical Management Studies (CMS), which positions management as a pivotal modern institution warranting rigorous scrutiny. CMS challenges the mainstream portrayal of management and organisations as inherently positive, exposing a hidden reality: these structures often systematically favour privileged groups while disadvantaging others. Dominant theories and conventional thinking fail to capture this imbalance, perpetuating a one-sided ideology of elite interests (Alvesson et al., 2009).
This critical ethos shapes my approach. I recognise that contemporary organisations and leadership practices often produce unintended, yet significant, negative consequences for employees and society. Inequities are frequently embedded, propagated, and normalised through institutional structures and organisational cultures — especially in leadership teams lacking diversity. Monocultural leadership fosters groupthink and blind spots, perpetuating systemic inequalities.
In many cases, leaders respond disingenuously to calls for equity, dismissing these concerns as overly ‘woke’ or unduly negative while gaslighting those who raise them. Some organisations focus on past progress, using it as a shield to deny the ongoing work still required. This resistance highlights the challenges of championing Inclusive Leadership: it is emotionally charged, often met with pushback, and demands a steadfast, long-term commitment.
If your organisation is genuinely committed to igniting Inclusive Leadership, I am here to support you. Together, we will leverage strategic tools to drive meaningful, transformative change. With resilient and unwavering leadership, we can dismantle barriers, foster equity, and create workplaces where everyone thrives.
